School administrators statewide elect Superintendent Rich McBride, North Central Educational Service District, to association presidency in 2008

School administrators statewide elect Superintendent Rich McBride, North Central Educational Service District, to association presidency in 2008.

OLYMPIA, Washington – The Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA) is pleased to announce that members have elected Rich McBride, superintendent of North Central Educational Service District in Wenatchee, as president-elect in 2007–08. Dr. McBride will assume the presidency in July 2008, following the term of the current president, Dr. John Erickson, superintendent of Vancouver Public Schools.

As a member of WASA for nearly 20 years, Dr. McBride previously chaired WASA’s Legislation and Finance Committee and served as a region president.

"It's such a distinct honor to be called to serve as president-elect of such an exceptional organization as WASA,” stated Dr. McBride upon learning of his selection. “This is a unique opportunity to serve as both an advocate and cheerleader for the hundreds of extraordinary leaders in public schools across Washington state.”

As president, Dr. McBride’s goals will be to:
Continue to support WASA staff in their advocacy for public education in Washington state.
Support key initiatives, which build professional leadership at the central office and building levels.
Support continued cooperation with other key educational partners/organizations to build public awareness and support for equitable funding.
Continue to be an “unabashed cheerleader” for the success and continued progress of public education in our state.

Dr. McBride further commented:
“I look forward to working beside President John Erickson, Paul Rosier and the WASA staff, and all of our members as we continue to promote the leadership development of our administrators and high academic achievement for our students.  My deepest appreciation to the WASA membership for this humbling vote of support for our organization."

Serving public schools and children since he began as a vocational education teacher in Riverside School District in 1977, Dr. McBride has been in public service for 30 years. Following his early educator role, he served as principal then superintendent in Harrington School District and proceeded to hold superintendency positions in the Newport and East Valley­–Yakima school districts prior to his current tenure at North Central Education Service District, where he has been since 2002.

His educational training includes an Ed.D. and B.A. from Washington State University, a master’s degree from Whitworth College and an associate’s degree in science from Spokane Community College.